VGM

What is VGM in Container Shipping?

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced the VGM (Verified Gross Mass) application in 2016 under SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea Convention) in order to prevent incorrectly declared container weights.

VGM refers to the verified total weight of a loaded container and ensures that containers are loaded onto vessels safely. VGM, which is used to prevent incorrect weight declarations, is of great importance in logistics and foreign trade processes. Especially in maritime transportation, VGM declaration is a mandatory step in terms of operational safety and legal compliance.

Therefore, a container is not permitted to be loaded onto a vessel without VGM approval.

Why Is VGM Mandatory?

Knowing the actual weight of the container loaded by the exporter is of great importance for the safety of life and property of both terminal workers at the loading and discharge ports and vessel personnel.

To date, incorrect weight declarations have caused serious accidents, loss of life, and economic damage. Therefore, the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulation has made verified weight declaration mandatory in order to ensure safety in container transportation.

Carriers must check the container weights declared by exporters before loading in order to ensure vessel safety and to ensure that the voyage is carried out smoothly.

Reasons for the necessity of checking containers before they are loaded onto the vessel:

Safety:

Knowing the actual weight of containers ensures that vessels are loaded in a balanced and safe manner. Incorrect weight information may disrupt vessel stability and lead to accidents.

Prevention of Cargo Damage:

In overloaded containers, damage may occur to the container floor during lifting operations and cargo may fall.

Insurance and Legal Liability:

In damages caused by unverified weight, insurance coverage may be affected and legal liabilities may arise.

Operational Efficiency:

During port operations; terminal operators and vessel planners perform the loading and unloading process more quickly and safely with accurate VGM.

How Is VGM Calculated?

VGM (Verified Gross Mass) is calculated by determining the total weight of the container in its loaded state. This calculation can be made by two different methods: weighing the container with the cargo or calculating the cargo, packaging, securing equipment, and container tare weight separately and taking their total.

Method 1 (Weighing with a Weighbridge):

After the loading process is completed and the container is sealed, the loaded container is weighed on a calibrated weighbridge and the total gross weight is directly determined. This method is considered the most accurate and most reliable VGM calculation method.

Method 1 - Sample VGM weighing

Weighing the container completely

This is the simplest and most direct method.

The loaded (full) container is weighed on a weighbridge

Measured value = VGM

Formula:

VGM = Total weight of the loaded container

Advantage:

It is the most accurate and most reliable method

The margin of error is low

Method 2 (Calculation Method):

The shipper or the person authorized by the shipper calculates the gross weight by adding the weight of the cargo placed inside the container, the weight of packaging, pallets and other securing materials, and the tare weight of the container.

In order to use this method, the necessary authorizations must be obtained within the scope of the relevant legislation.

According to customs legislation, the persons or organizations that will use method 2 have been determined.

Authorized economic operator (person or organization whose reliability and security in customs procedures has been proven)
Approved person (person or organization entitled to carry out transactions with certain authorizations within the framework of customs legislation or relevant regulations) is used by shippers with this status.

Method 2 - Sample VGM weighing

Piece-by-piece calculation

In this method, cargo and equipment are calculated separately.

All of the following items are added:

Weight of the cargo (goods)
Packaging materials (pallets, crates, boxes, etc.)
Securing equipment (lashing materials, airbags, styrofoam)
Empty weight of the container (Container Tare)

Formula:

VGM = Cargo + Packaging + Securing materials + Container tare weight

How Is VGM Declaration Made?

VGM declaration can be made through the VGM portals available on the websites of shipping lines. When necessary, mobile applications developed by shipping lines for their customers and allowing VGM entry from anywhere can also be used. VGM information entered through the website or mobile application is transferred directly to the operating systems used by shipping lines via the EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) system. The system provides control by comparing the cargo weight and container tare weight in the loading note with the declared VGM information. The VGM declaration made can be revised when necessary depending on the operational processes of the carrier agency.

Points to Consider in the VGM Process

The difference between the declared verified gross weight of the loaded container and the actual gross weight cannot be more than ±5%.

Even if the calculation method is selected, the result must be accurate and verifiable
The company performing the calculation or weighing must be authorized and approved
Incorrect declaration may lead to serious penalties and delays
Without VGM, the container cannot be loaded onto the vessel (as required by the SOLAS Convention)
Weighing instruments used in VGM calculation must be calibrated and certified in accordance with local and international standards.
It must be a weighing instrument that meets the legal requirements specified in the relevant legislation of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, has a ministry certificate in this regard, and has a valid periodic inspection.

The periodic inspection of the said weighing instruments and the weight measurement application must be carried out at intervals not exceeding 1 year

Facilitate the VGM Process

Verified Gross Verified Gross Mass (VGM) notification processes increase operational efficiency by accelerating them through digital platforms. The digital solutions offered by the carrier ensure that container weight notifications, which are a legal requirement, are made accurately and on time.

Tools That Facilitate VGM Operations

Customer VGM Portal: Customers can enter VGM information directly into the system through this portal.

Advantages of the VGM Process

This digital infrastructure offered by the carrier provides the following benefits:

Speed and Time Savings: Direct system entry instead of manual form filling and e-mail traffic.
Reduction of Error Margin: Minimizing the risk of incorrect weight declaration through data integration.
Transparent Tracking: Instant monitoring of the container’s weighing and notification status.

As a result, the verified gross mass (VGM) application plays a critical role in ensuring safety, transparency, and operational efficiency in maritime transportation.

Declaring cargo weights accurately and completely is not only a legal obligation, but also an element that directly affects the safety of life and property.

All actors in the process acting with this sense of responsibility will make the global logistics chain safer.